Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America.
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Mostly straight grain with gentle cathedral patterns near the top, fine to medium uniform texture, flat-sawn cut.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a pale greyish-brown to dark chocolate brown with darker purplish streaks. Clear contrast with lighter, cream-to-yellowish sapwood visible on the left edge.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 - $16.00 per board foot for rough-sawn lumber depending on grade and region.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Rough-sawn live-edge board showing fresh mill marks, likely milled within the last 1-3 years.
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN Least Concern, not CITES listed. Widely available and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, gunstocks, veneer, turned objects, and specialty wooden items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and sands easily, glues and finishes exceptionally well. Mild dulling effect on cutters.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to oil finishes (danish oil, tung oil) which enhance depth and grain character. Clear polyurethane, lacquer, or shellac also perform extremely well.
Notable Features
Faint, pleasant, distinct woody odor when worked. High dimensional stability once seasoned.
